William's face flushed scarlet, and his eyes flashed with evident joy.
"The Ambassador was right," he said within himself; "the boy is a born soldier; it is in the blood!"
Then aloud he said—
"Was I acting rightly when I accepted Don Renard's proposal?"
Instantly William flung himself at his uncle's knees with all affection and reverence, and seizing his hand, cried—
"I ask nothing better, it is my dearest heart's wish; and when I speak for myself I speak for Ralph also; I can answer for him."
"I thought so," replied the Treasurer, "but as far as Ralph is concerned (and he is chiefly concerned) I will go to the Fleet prison at once and learn his own decision."
But poor Susan was mute!
To be robbed of her two brothers at once, from whom she had never been long separated; to see them go forth to all the dangers of war; to think that she might never see them more, all this wrung her tender heart, and she began to sob gently.
But she was yet to bear another trial, for William, turning to his uncle as he prepared to go forth, said—